The Good Samaritan

Crash HelperVirtually every crash scene that I attended during my policing career featured at least one good samaritan. These were people who stopped to help another in a time of need, often at some risk to themselves. This kind of selflessness is encouraged with protection granted by law in British Columbia.

VIDEO - Which Side of the Car do You Exit on?

VideoThis Dutch Hyundai Velostar advertising video (subtitled in English) could really make you think about which side of the vehicle you exit on. In this case, the Hyundai concept is that you cannot exit on the driver's side because there is no rear passenger door there, forcing passengers to exit on the safe side.

READING - Cycling In Cities

CyclistThe University of British Columbia School of Population & Public Health is studying which factors encourage or discourage the use of bicycles for urban transportation, and which types of transportation infrastructure are associated with increased or decreased risks of injuries to cyclists. The goal is to make research from the Cycling in Cities program, and elsewhere, into tools that are useful for policy-makers, planners, and the public.

Dealing With the Boom Boxes

Boom Box CarA very annoying problem we hear on the local roads are the numerous Boom Boxes playing at all hours of day or night. I think our noise by-law should be enforced, as we have enough noise pollution as it is without these ridiculous noise boxes waking us from our sleep. Can you enlighten me on the subject please?

Pedestrian vs Motorcycle Collision

BC Courts Coat of Arms imageThis case decides the liability for a collision involving a motorcycle and a pedestrian on Rutland Road near the intersection of Leathead Road in Kelowna. The pedestrian walked into traffic without looking and the view of the motorcycle rider was obstructed by a parked truck.

School Zones in the Summer

Q&A ImageThe signs in the school zones around the Oceanside Middle School in Parksville remain up during the summer. They state the speed to be 30 km/h and underneath a tab says "school days." Other areas do not have the notation of "school days" but do leave up their 30 km/h sign during the summer.

No Laser, No Radar, is the Ticket Valid?

image of handheld police radarI was issued a ticket for Speed Against a Municipal Sign for driving over 30 km/h in a playground zone. The officer had no laser and no radar. She flagged me over, saying "The speed limit here is 30, you were not doing 30." I can't say whether I was doing 31 or 51. My best guess based on the location I was pulled over would be somewhere between 30 to 40 km/h.